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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
DENVER, CO
FSH 2409.17 - SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
Region 2 Supplement No. 2409.17-95-1
Effective December 7, 1995
POSTING NOTICE: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Handbook number and calendar year. Post by
document name. Remove entire document and replace with this supplement. Retain this transmittal as the first
page of this document. The last supplement to this Handbook was Supplement 2409.17-94-2 to 2409.17,10.
This supplement supersedes Supplement 2409.17-92-1 to 2409.17,8.
Document Name
2409.17,8
2409.17,8.1-8.4
2409.17,8.1,Ex.08
(New document names)
Superseded New
(Number of Pages)
11
19
6
Digest:
8.1 - Revises and updates entire chapter to include direction for Regions 1, 2, 3 and 4. Future supplements to this
chapter will be issued concurrently to all four regions enabling silviculture programs to be managed consistently
throughout the entire area.
ELIZABETH ESTILL
Regional Forester
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FSH 2409.17 - SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES HANDBOOK
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CHAPTER 8 - SILVICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND EVALUATIONS
The direction included in this chapter has been developed through the coordinated effort of Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4.
This coordination was initiated by the leadership of each region under the concept of shared services. All four
regions must concur on future changes to this direction.
8.1 - Silvicultural Examinations. (Direction applies to silviculture prescription process also). The role of
silvicultural prescriptions is to translate land management objectives into silviculturally sound treatments that can
be implemented as part of the forest vegetation management program.
1. Purposes of a Silvicultural Prescription. A prescription serves three purposes:
a. To develop treatment alternatives that are technically correct and ecologically sound.
b. To clearly show how the proposed and alternative treatments will develop a stand that can meet land
management objectives.
c. To provide the necessary direction for implementation of the preferred treatment.
2. Land Management Objective. The land management objective and related guidance provides the basic
direction for development and implementation of a silvicultural prescription. Develop the prescription to benefit all
allocated resources and to provide an acceptable level of protection from windthrow, fire, insects, and disease.
3. The Prescription Area. Write Prescriptions for all cultural treatments on forest stands.1 Forest stands
include stands where conifers and/or hardwoods are in sufficient quantity to be a primary site influence.
The area defined by a forest stand may be adjusted for differences in: (1) physical site factors, and (2) land
management objectives.
1 Ford-Robertson, F.C. (Ed.) 1971 Terminology of forest science, technology, practice and product. Society of
American Foresters, Wash. D.C. xxi + 349 p.
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In most cases, differences in vegetation, timber, site factors, and management guidance between stands dictate that
separate prescriptions be made for each stand. When these differences are not significant enough to change the
prescription from one forest stand to another, stands may be combined for prescription writing purposes.
4. Documentation. The prescription must be a written statement that can be used and preserved as a single
and complete document.
Each step of the prescription process requires documentation to meet the direction of FSH 2409.17 and to
adequately fulfill the three purposes of a prescription. Ensure documentation is factual and brief. The prescription
document is a technical report written for people working in the general field of forestry. It may require
interpretation when used by the public and other professions.
5. Storage and Retention. Store written silvicultural prescriptions in the stand/LOCATION-SITE folder
component of the Timber Stand Management Record System (TSMRS) or the Rocky Mountain Resource Inventory
System (RMRIS) as applicable to the various Regions. (Regions 2-4 now use Location for compartment and Site for
stand.)
6. Responsibility. A Certified Silviculturist who has met the four Region standards for experience, education,
and examination should prepare or supervise preparation of prescriptions (FSH 2409.17). A Certified Silviculturist
must review all prescriptions, and silviculture prescriptions shall be approved by a line officer with the signing of
the decision document. Date each prescription and show the name of the author. If the author is not certified,
record the reviewer's name and date of review also.
7. Broadscale Assessment. Base the prescription on the characterization, assessment, and synthesis of
ecological, social, and economic attributes for the host landscape. The scale used for the landscape assessment
should be effective for addressing the majority of questions at the forest planning level. Include the use of
hierarchies in the landscape assessment to address questions at larger and smaller scales. Define a desirable range
of conditions for ecological, social, and economic considerations to illustrate where ecosystems can be sustained in
the long term. Express the range of conditions in measurable terms to facilitate comparison with desired conditions
specified in the Forest Plan.
8. Prescription Process. A sequence of five steps is followed to complete the prescription process. Each step
serves a specific function and supports the next step in the process. The steps are: Stand Examination, Diagnosis,
Detailed Prescription, Implementation, and Monitoring and Evaluation.
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a. Stand Examination. The stand examination step may have been completed some time before the
diagnosis and prescription is prepared.
(1) Begin this step by identifying the stand which will be the subject of the prescription. If the stand is
new, delineate it on the index map of the TSMRS or RMRIS and the compartment/location,
subcompartment (if used), stand number/site, and area in acres must be submitted to the automated
portion of the data base.
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(2) Before the stand is examined, the silviculturist should review the land management objective and the
broadscale analysis, to ensure that data are obtained for all pertinent stand attributes.
(3) Make an office search for data about the site before going to the field so that missing information can
be gathered with the stand examination.
(4) Regional stand examination procedures provide the information needed to diagnose treatment needs
and prepare detailed prescriptions. The kinds and amounts of data gathered and their reliability will
depend upon the resources to be managed and intensity of management to be applied. Obtain enough
information to adequately describe the current condition of the stand or nonstocked area in relation to the
objectives.
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The following exhibit identifies information required as part of the silvicultural diagnosis and prescription
document.
8.1 - Exhibit 01
DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS FOR THE STAND EXAMINATION STEP
(1) Stand Identification. Minimum requirements: compartment, subcompartment (if used), stand number, (or
location and site) and area.
(2) Land Management Objective. Minimum requirement: The land management direction from the Forest Plan for
the area covered by the prescription must be stated. Lengthy management direction should be summarized and its
source referenced, including direction resulting from landscape level analysis.
(3) Site Data. Although information about the site is recorded elsewhere, it is an integral part of the technical
justification for the treatment and will, therefore, be documented as part of the prescription.
Minimum requirements:
(a) slope
(b) aspect
(c) elevation
(d) soil description
(e) habitat type
(f) relative productivity
(g) ecological unit
(h) hydrology: (as directly related to stand/site)
(i) limiting factors specific to the site: For the above factors, describe if a combination of site conditions
exist that may make it difficult for the site to regenerate within 5 years if a regeneration harvest were to
occur. Some considerations are: high, or very low micro site temperatures, very poorly drained soil, a
high amount of exposed surface rock, flood potential, soil erosion or compaction potential, and so forth.
Are mitigation measures necessary?
(4) Stand Data: This information shall be documented in the Diagnosis Step.
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b. Diagnosis. The diagnosis of treatment needs is the most important element of the prescription process.
The diagnosis step begins during the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) analysis, prior to the
analysis of the proposed action during the NEPA process, using the broadscale analysis to help direct
which stands should be considered for treatment in the proposed action. The diagnosis provides the
NEPA ID team and the line officer with a basis to build alternatives considered in the NEPA process. The
diagnosis must show that alternative treatments will result in a stand that, over time, will best contribute
to achieving resource objectives for the area. Treatment alternatives are those cultural practices that will
contribute to the desired condition of the landscape.
A stand description compares the existing condition to a defined DESIRED STAND CONDITIONS (DSC),
and identifies treatments that will effect the indicated change. This can be an iterative process as there
may be a need to define alternative desired conditions or treatments to respond to NEPA issues during
scoping and alternative development in the NEPA process (see exhibit 06). Use the following steps for all
silvicultural prescriptions.
Step 1. Each site has an inherent potential for stand development. Climate, slope, aspect, elevation, soil
properties, and fire regime, all combine to control the character of forest vegetation that can occur on the
site. Biological factors like competition, insects, and disease influence successional patterns over time.
Based upon knowledge of earth science, forest and landscape ecology and biometrics, the silviculturist will
describe the sequence of forest conditions (DSC) throughout the life of the stand (normally a rotation
period) that are necessary for achieving resource objectives. The silviculturist must frequently involve
other disciplines in this determination. In some cases very similar sites may have options for more than
one DSC pathway to be followed depending on landscape level composition and structure desired
condition objectives. Develop the DSC(s) with an understanding of how current, and historic disturbance
patterns influenced stand development, and represent a portion of the landscape composition and
structure appropriate to the site being considered. The silviculturist must describe how desired stand
conditions will benefit resources at the stand and landscape level.
Step 2. The silviculturist should compare the existing stand conditions to the DSC. Base the comparison
on those stand attributes that are important to the resource objectives described by the Forest Plan for
the site and the ecosystem. The comparison of the existing stand to the DSC must follow a sequence
whose logic meets the legal requirements to consider a full range of alternatives.
(1) The comparison should first consider if the existing stand is similar enough to the DSC to defer
treatment. In making this comparison the silviculturist should base judgment upon acceptable limits for
the desired stand conditions. For example, the optimum stand density for a young sawtimber stand may
be 110 ft 2/ac, but acceptable limits may range from 80 to 130 ft 2/ac. An optimum species composition for
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a given resource objective may be 70 percent seral species in the overstory, but a minimum of 50 percent
would be acceptable. Determine acceptable limits before comparison to the existing stand and base on
resource management requirements and an understanding of the historic range of variation of
composition and structure in the ecosystem.
(2) The comparison should next determine if the existing stand can be modified by intermediate cutting,
planting, burning, or other appropriate measures to restore composition, structure and ecosystem
function, and to better meet resource objectives. Describe such cultural treatments in enough detail to
allow a reasonable basis for choice from a final list of alternatives. Modifications must be operationally
feasible and ecologically sound. Defer economic considerations to a later step in the prescription process.
(3) If the existing stand does not compare favorably with the defined desired stand conditions and cannot
reasonably be modified to do so, the silviculturist must next consider alternatives to replace the existing
stand.
The regeneration cutting method must adhere to requirements of the Forest Plan. Cutting methods must
be related to the resource management requirements and objectives for the site and the larger ecosystem
associated with the site, as well as existing stand conditions.
(4) If the existing stand cannot be modified to achieve the target conditions and cannot be replaced
because of reasons external to the stand, the silviculturist should consider the opportunity to stabilize or
improve the existing condition. Alternatives may include sanitation or salvage cuttings that will help to
hold the stand until a regeneration cutting can be carried out. Intermediate cuttings must leave the
stand in a condition that is favorable for the allocated resources regardless of opportunities to capture
imminent mortality. The diagnosis should derive alternatives that are related to stand conditions that
will exist following the proposed harvest.
(5) Finally, the silviculturist may consider deferring treatment because conditions external to the stand
do not permit any treatment at the time of diagnosis. In this situation treatment is deferred not because
the existing stand meets resource requirements, but because a treatment of any kind is not possible. An
example of this situation may be a stand in an area at the hydrologic limits.
Step 3. Summarize a reasonable range of alternatives from the foregoing comparison of the existing stand
to the desired stand condition. A reasonable range of alternatives should usually include consideration of
both even age and uneven age systems. All alternatives should be attainable with current practice and
technology. The silviculturist must describe how the treatment alternatives will produce a stand that is
like the desired stand condition.
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When alternative treatments have been identified, specify actions that will carry the stand through the
next regeneration period. This must be done to assure that the direction set by the treatment need is
reasonable, and to develop information for an economic comparison of alternatives completed during the
NEPA process.
Estimate Volume yields for the sequence of management actions identified for each alternative.
Assignments of values for costs to be incurred and volumes produced will provide the basis for an
economic analysis completed for the project in the NEPA document.
The silviculturist should recommend a tentatively preferred alternative with a brief explanation for the
selection.
8.1 - Exhibit 02
DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS STEP
Stand data is the basis for making a diagnosis that will result in a viable treatment. The prescription document
should not be used to summarize general data about the forest stand. The TSMRS or RMRIS (FSM 2490) serves
that function. Stand data cited in the prescription should be directed specifically at determining the ability of the
subject stand to satisfy management direction. Stand data should be grouped by attributes to allow an efficient
comparison between the existing stand and the alternative desired stand conditions. The most useful stand
attributes are:
Structure - age and size class distributions, relationship of crown canopy levels.
Composition - species distribution by stand structure.
Density - trees per acre, basal area per acre, or stand density index.
Condition - status of insects, disease, and successional stage.
Growth - volume or height.
Fuels - size, arrangement, loading.
Arrangement - location of the stand related to surrounding area, stands, drainages, and so forth.
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8.1 - Exhibit 02--Continued
Minimum requirements:
(1) Description of the existing stand by important stand attributes.
(2) Description of desired stand conditions with a narrative documenting how each DSC will benefit resources.
(3) Comparison of the existing stand with each identified
DSC.
(4) Conclusion of a treatment need for each alternative with a description of how the treatment will achieve the
desired stand conditions.
(5) Sequence of steps and their timing to carry each alternative through the next regeneration period.
Suggested format: Description of present and DSC can be brief statements or entries in a tabular summary.
Comparison of the present stand to each DSC and conclusion of treatment need can be a short narrative included in
a matrix format. Sequence of management steps can be a simple listing in a tabular format (see examples in
exhibits 07 and 08).
Economic Analysis
Minimum requirement: Costs and benefits, must be displayed to allow for an economic analysis to be completed
for the entire project.
Suggested format: Tabular format summarizing the costs and benefits for all alternatives identified in the
diagnosis.
Preferred Alternative
The silviculturist should indicate a tentatively preferred treatment and the reasons for its selection.
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c. Detailed Prescription. Do not undertake this step until a decision notice or record of decision has been
issued by the responsible forest officer. The detailed prescription is prepared only for the selected
alternative. It will direct the next sequence of entries in the stand, but should not be written for a long
time period such as the entire rotation.
8.1 - Exhibit 03
DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS FOR THE DETAILED PRESCRIPTION STEP
Correct implementation of a prescription depends upon a clear set of instructions. These instructions are provided
by documentation of the detailed prescription. To ensure accurate communication between the author of the
prescription and the persons responsible for layout and supervision of a project, documentation must be concise and
yet contain necessary detail.
Documentation of the detailed prescription will provide the information required for entry of planned activities into
the stand record system.
Minimum requirements: The detailed prescription shall list the sequence of actions required to carry out the
treatment. The timing of each action shall be noted. Specifications for each action shall be stated in enough detail
to insure that implementation can meet the intent of the prescription.
Required format: Detailed Silvicultural Prescription Summary similar to exhibits 07 and 08.
d. Implementation. This step bridges the gap between the conceptual prescription and a project. If the
prescription process has been followed carefully, there are likely to be few changes as the project is
accomplished. However, some changes are unavoidable and they must be accounted for in the
implementation step. If changes will alter the treatment need or develop a stand that is significantly
different from the stand objective described in the diagnosis step, the responsible Certified Silviculturist
should consider reentering the prescription process at the point of change and developing an amended
prescription. Whenever a prescription is amended, the silviculturist, in consultation with others if
necessary, must consider whether or not an amendment to the environmental analysis or impact study is
also needed.
Successful implementation of silvicultural prescriptions may require:
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(1) Paper layout and review of the project to check its workability in relation to other resources,
transportation, and logging systems.
(2) Written marking guides.
(3) Training tree markers.
(4) Participation in selection of contract clauses.
(5) On-site monitoring and consultation with contract administrators and crew supervisors.
8.1 - Exhibit 04
DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION STEP
The documentation involved with implementation of a prescription depends upon a host of forms, records, and
reports that are already covered by Manual direction (for example: KV plan, Timber Sale Report, Contracts, and so
forth). A record of prescription changes made during the course of implementation should be kept by the responsible
silviculturist.
Minimum requirements: Note changes to the detailed prescription form retained in the stand folder. Each notation
must be initialed and dated.
e. Monitoring and Evaluation. The responsible silviculturist must evaluate every implemented
prescription to determine if the treatment was achieved according to specifications. Evaluation can be
made of any step or combination of steps in the prescription process.
8.1 - Exhibit 05
DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS FOR THE MONITORING AND EVALUATION STEP
A record of evaluations shall be retained as a permanent part of the stand folder.
Minimum requirements: All evaluations must be written, signed, and dated.
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9. Coordination with Environmental Assessment. Direction on how the silvicultural diagnosis and
prescriptions fit into NEPA documents can be found in "Our Approach to Effects Analysis-Desk Reference" (a Region
One Publication) under the chapter of clear-cutting and vegetative treatments, and as shown in exhibit 06.
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8.1 - Exhibit 06
NFMA/NEPA PROCESS
SEQUENCE
SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION
Forest Land Management Plan
|1|
FP management prescriptions and
Yield Tables developed (Includes
strategy for forest regulation), Forest
wide DESIRED FUTURE
CONDITION (DFC) identified.
Landscape Characterization
Assessment and Synthesis
|2|
Define a range of conditions for
systainability of the ecological, social
and economic attributes for the
sustainability of the ecosystems.
(INCLUDES COMPOSITION AND
STRUCTURE)
Proposed Actions Identified
(Includes Amendments to
Forest Plan if Appropriate as a
Feedback Loop to 1)
|3| *
Diagnosis completed for stands in
proposed actions, includes
identifying DESIRED STAND
CONDITIONS (DSC) within the
range of sustainability or term, while
consistent with Forest Plan goals in 1
above applies for both project and
Forest Plan amendment actions.
Development of EA, EIS, or CE
|4|
Alternatives Developed
|5|
Decision Approved
|6|
Alternative DSC and/or treatments
identified for Stands included in the
project to address NEPA issues, if not
covered in 3 above.
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|7|
Final silvicultural prescription
prepared.
Implementation
|8|
Implementation.
Monitoring and Evaluation
|9|
Monitoring and evaluation (Includes
how well DSC is developing and if it
is achieving goals in 1 & 2 above).
* Point at which Silviculture Diagnosis and Prescription process begins.
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8.1 - Exhibit 07
EXAMPLE DIAGNOSIS AND PRESCRIPTION FROM REGION 2
DIAGNOSIS AND PRESCRIPTION PROCESS
Diagnosis. The diagnosis can be accomplished by addressing two questions on the basis of stand data. These
questions are:
1. How can the existing stand be treated to develop a desired stand condition that will best satisfy Forest Plan
and management direction?
2. If the existing stand cannot be treated to meet Forest Plan and management objectives, how and when can it
be harvested and replaced with a more desirable stand that will achieve a desired stand condition?
To answer these questions, the silviculturist must be able to visualize and describe one or more desired stand
conditions that can meet the requirements of the land management goals for the stand. Frequently the
silviculturist must refer to written guidance from other disciplines or must discuss alternative stand descriptions
with other resource specialists to develop desired stand conditions and subsequent treatment(s) that can satisfy
multiple resources.
The description of desired stand conditions must guide the silviculturist in prescribing future stand development.
Comparison of the existing stand with future stand objectives, or desired conditions will provide the basis for
identifying stand treatment needs (alternatives). Site data should be grouped by attributes to allow an efficient
comparison between the existing stand and the desired conditions to meet management objectives.
Stand diagnosis documents must include a comparison of existing stand attributes and future stand attributes for
each considered alternative. Diagnosis documents should be attached to stand description documents which are
retained in the District stand records.
Example of how this information may be summarized follows.
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8.1 - Exhibit 07--Continued
EXAMPLE 1
STAND SUMMARY PAGE TYPE 5
DATA BASE NAME LOCATION
1301
110115
STAND ACRES 24
SITE
9
MGMT AREA
UPDT CODE
1
*****RIS CARD TYPE 5 DATA *****
TREE SURVEY TYPE:
TREE SURVEY DATE:
FOREST TYPE:
STAND SIZE CLASS:
PCT NONSTOCK:
ORIGIN DATE:
DBH:
HT:
BA:
TOTAL TREES:
LARGE TREES:
SEROTINY:
DAMAGE:
MISTLETOE:
BEETLE RATING:
3
8208
DF
9
0
1827
15
65
220
374
174
0
79 (SWP & CRK)
0 (ABSENT)
0
BF SW:
CUBIC SAW SW:
CUBIC SAW HW:
CUBIC POLE SW:
CUBIC POLE HW:
CUBIC CULL:
CUBIC AND DEAD:
PCT DOWN AND DEAD:
HARD SNAGS:
SOFT SNAGS:
GROSS CUBIC GROWTH:
CUBIC MORT:
*****LIVE TREE STOCKING*****
BASAL AREA X DBH
BASAL AREA X SPECIES GROUP(1"+)
1-4
5-8 9-15
16-99 FIR SPR PP OP LP DF AS OH OS
0
0
80
140
20
60 0 0
0 140 0 0 0
TREES(1+) BAA QMD SDI AGE MAI PAI YIELD SCRIB(7+) CUBIC(7+)
174.
220 15.2 340 160
31 -17
71 22,992
5,064
22992
5064
0
0
0
0
327
0
0
8
48
65
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*****WRITE IN CURRENT CONDITION DATA*****
HABITAT TYPE:
STRUCTURE:
Mixed conifer-DF,ES,& AF.
COMPOSITION:
DENSITY:
DF/Ninebark
20 BA of Fir, 60 BA of SP,
140 BA of DF.
BA of 220 over all dia. classes.
GROWTH COMMENT:
Negative net growth
due to mortality in DF.
CONDITION:
Spruce Budworm in DF
causing mortality.
ARRANGEMENT:
Adjoins nonstocked and
Ponderosa stands
FUEL LOADING:
Moderate-Increasing
due to mortality.
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8.1 - Exhibit 07--Continued
Example 1--Continued
*****WRITE IN DESIRED STAND CONDITION DATA *****
DESIRED STAND CONDITION A
HABITAT TYPE:
STRUCTURE:
DF/Ninebark
Mixed conifer-DF,ES, & AF.
GROWTH COMMENT:
Positive net growth.
CONDITION:
Spruce Budworm
endemic
COMPOSITION:
20 BA of Fir, 20 BA of SP, 80 ARRANGEMENT:
Adjoins nonstocked and
BA of DF.
Ponderosa stands
DENSITY:
BA of 120 max to reach an open
FUEL LOADING:
Low/Moderate to
grown condition over rotation.
maintain low risk of
stand replacing fire.
DESIRED STAND CONDITION B
HABITAT TYPE:
STRUCTURE:
DF/Ninebark
Mixed conifer-DF,ES, & AF,.
Two aged/story.
GROWTH COMMENT:
Positive net growth.
CONDITION:
Spruce Budworm
endemic w/risk of
mortality.
COMPOSITION:
20 BA of Fir, 60 BA of SP,
ARRANGEMENT:
Adjoins nonstocked and
140 BA of DF.
Ponderosa stands
DENSITY:
BA of 220 max to reach multiFUEL LOADING:
Moderate to maintain
story, dense stand over rotation to
down logs at level
meet cover needs for interior
needed for feeding sites
nesting species..
and ground cover
habitat.
ALTERNATIVES
A.
Regenerate w/ shelterwood system to achieve condition B.
B.
Sanitation and/or salvage cut to achieve condition A.
C.
Defer treatment and examine for shelterwood prep cut in 10 years to
achieve portion of condition B now with option to follow A or B in
yr 10 and beyond.
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DETAILED PRESCRIPTION A detailed prescription should not be prepared until an alternative has been selected as best
meeting the management objectives (Environmental Assessment). The detailed prescription is prepared to describe
management activities through the next regeneration of the stand. Documentation of the detailed prescription will provide the
information required for implementation of planned activities in the stand.
A report writer has been developed that automatically summarizes physical and vegetative data from the R2RIS system to aid
in the stand prescription writing process. To generate this report from your R2RIS data base:
Enter your Data Base
@ADD S2K.RDBSITREPT/RWT-PRESCR
GENERATE ALL WH C800 EQ "Locsite": or
(GENERATE ALL WH C1 EQ "Location #" etc.)
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8.1 - Exhibit 07--Continued
Example 2
Example 2 shows completed prescription and implementation schedule with the beginning physical and vegetative
data being developed by the report writer from stand data in R2RIS data base.
STAND PRESCRIPTION SUMMARY
PROJECT NAME: SWAT CREEK
FOR/DIS:
1302
DATE: 11/30/94
LOCATION:
101405
SITE: 13
PHYSICAL AND VEGETATIVE DATA
FOREST TYPE:
PP AREA ACRES:
29 STAND SIZE CLASS:
8 -POLE
STAGE II SUR DATE:
8105 STAGE II SUR TYPE:
4 DATE OF ORIGIN:
1908
VISUAL QUAL. OBJ:
TMBR COMPONENT:
500 SOIL MAP UNIT:
SLOPE PERCENT:
30 ASPECT:
SE ELEV. MIDPOINT:
8000
SITE INDEX:
SITE SPECIES:
TBR PRODUCTIVITY:
52
BASAL AREA:
196 TOTAL TREES:
LARGE TREES:
469
DBH:
8 HEIGHT:
52
GROSS CUBIC GROW:
54 CUBIC MORTALITY:
19 CUBIC SOUND DEAD:
94
NET GROWTH (PAI):
35 MAI:
45
BF SW:
5990
CUBIC SAW SW:
1828 CUBIC POLE SW:
1512 CUBIC SW:
3340
CUBIC SAW HW:
CUBIC POLE HW:
CUBIC HW:
% SEROTINY:
MISTLETOE (DMR):
7 BEETLE RATING: (UNKNOWN)
PLANT ASSOCIATION:
DEATH/DAMAGE:
79 TREES FORKED ABOVE MERCH
STAND STRUCTURE & DISTRIBUTION:
WINDTHROW HAZARD:
STAND DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY: (Supplement the above data with information on site condition, stand
inclusions, regeneration, stand stress, unique features of stand, species mix &/or other appropriate information.)
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MANAGEMENT GOALS, OBJECTIVES & DESIGN CRITERIA (FROM LMP,EA,ETC): MGMT AREA: 07EEMPHASIZE WOODFIBER PRODUCTION-SAWLOGS FROM LMP-SUITABLE FOR TIMBER
PRODUCTION-REASON FOR TREATMENT
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8.1 - Exhibit 07--Continued
Example 2--Continued
TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES & SELECTED ALTERNATIVE: HOW TREATMENT WILL MEET FOREST PLAN AND
MANAGEMENT
A. SEE STAND DIAGNOSIS
B. OTHER:
OBJECTIVES
DESIRED STAND CONDITION (DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION): If this is 2 or 3 entries out, explain how the
first entry will serve to accomplish the final objective. Include year when objective will be met, number of trees/acre,
and other appropriate facts that will describe the final management stand.
PREPARED BY:
CERTIFIED BY:
DATE:
DATE:
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8.1 - Exhibit 07--Continued
Example 2--Continued
IMPLEMENTATION OF SELECTED PRESCRIPTION (TIME & DESCRIPTION OF WORK) 11/30/87
FOR/DIS: 1302
BASE FISCAL YEAR:
ACTIVITY
LOCATION: 101405
ACTIVITY TIMING FUND DESCRIPTION-INCLUDE MARKING GUIDES,
CODE
YEAR CODE MONITORING, ETC. THRU ENTIRE ROTATION
4220
0
(1988)
4345
4
(1992)
Shelterwood - Seed Cut
4131
30
(2018)
Site Evaluation
4347
34
(2022)
Commercial Thinning
Site Evaluation
Shelterwood - 4141
Removal Cut
SITE: 13
45
SAMPLE
Mark leave trees with blue paint. Leave 90 square
feet per acre of basal area by removing trees in
subordinate crown classes (suppressed
intermediates, etc.). Favor ponderosa pine leave
trees' discriminate against Doug-fir with active
budworm infestation and either species with
serious disease or form defect.
Stems/A Before Cut: ____; After: ____
BA
Before Cut: ____; After: ____
DBH
Before Cut: ____; After: ____
Average Leave-Tree Spacing: _______FT.
Complete a walk-thru stand exam. to determine if
treatment specifications were met. Decide whether
enough residual pole timber was damaged during
logging to prescribe follow-up treatment.
Describe sequence of treatments, including slash
treatment & site preparation needed to accomplish
the total hob (Also special contract clauses.)
Complete a walk-thru stand exam. etc.
Describe sequence of treatments, including slash
treatment and site preparation needed to
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Page 25 of 33
accomplish the total job. (Also special contract
clauses.)
Certify New Stand
4381
50
(2038)
Number of trees needed, species, spacing of trees
and height.
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8.1 - Exhibit 08
EXAMPLE DIAGNOSIS AND PRESCRIPTION
Management Objectives
SAMPLE MOUNTAIN TIMBER SALE
Silvicultural Prescription
Stand Numbers:
103-03-71; 103-02-05,21,31; 103-04-38; 102-01-08,10,40;
102-02-04,11,12,13,15,26,32
Refer to The Forest Plan and the Broadscale analysis for the Example Landscape for details.
Summarized Objectives:
1. Winter game range - manage for effective cover/forage (25% of this landscape, including these stands).
2. Visual Quality Objective - modification for ground viewers.
3. Provide for a diversity of composition, and structure of the forest community, including old growth structures and
amounts, within the the Landtype Associations in the landscape to provide for long term ecosystem function. The late
seral stage structures should occupy 15-20% of the landscape.
4. Regulate timber yields commensurate with winter game range and old growth structure requirements.
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8.1 - Exhibit 08--Continued
06/09/93
NOTES
FIELD
NUMBER
STAND HISTORY MASTER LIST --- FORM 21 --
STAND
ID
10303071
1
ST
30
7
STD
CON
STND STK
DIS COUN ACRE %
1
77
22
0
8
9
10
11
FOR LAND
TYP TYPE SOILS
DF
12
13
14
06/09/93
SL
%
22
15
ASP
S
16
ELEV
52
17
HAB
TYP
312
18
PR
CL
0
19
LOG
SYS
0
20
PAGE: 1
SPC SPEC
LAND
---PARENT
INFO--UNT UNIT CAPAB SUIT MGMT
DATE
PARENT
KND NUM AREA CLAS AREA MMDDYYYY STAND
0
0 3DAI51 0 TIMBR
0
0
21
22
23
24
25
601-603
611
STAND HISTORY MASTER LIST --- FORM 22 -PAGE: 2
STAND
ID
10303071
FIELD NUMBER
1
NOTES
COND
CLAS
7
28
STAND
STRTM
29
RANGE
ALOT
0
30
06/09/93
NOTES
TES
SP
0
31
VIS
QUAL
OBJ
32
STAND
TREAT
NEEDS
2
33
STAND
SIZE
CLASS
MULT
34
SSC
YEAR
ORGN
1883
35
STND
RISK
RATE
36
FUEL
LOAD
TON/AC
0
37
WATER
SHED
38
SPCL
USES
0
39
STAND HISTORY MASTER LIST --- FORM 23 -STAND
ID
10303071
STAND
COMP
0-1
1-3
3-5
5-7
7-9
9-14
14+
MAJ
SSP
PP
DF
DF
PP
DF
DF
PP
AVE
DBH
0
1
4
6
8
11
19
AVE
HT
2
7
32
47
54
64
75
TREES
ACRE
450
150
450
94
107
170
37
BA
ACRE
0
01
40
20
40
110
70
100BF
ACRE
0
0
0
0
26
101
79
CU-FT
ACRE
0
0
0
327
860
2723
2083
HT-GTH
OR
CF-PAI
2
1
0
3
9
24
11
COMP
YEAR
ORGN
1984
1967
1951
1919
1901
1897
1833
PI
STRTM
21
40
PI
HABITAT
0
41
PAGE: 3
DMGE
0
0
98
41
41
98
98
SEVR
0
0
5
4
2
2
6
SCND
DMGE
0
0
97
0
0
0
0
SCND
SEVR
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
YEAR
EXAM
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
TYPE
EXAM
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
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2409.17_8.1-8.4
Page 28 of 33
TOTL
TOTC
OREG
201
DF
QA
202
7
0
15
203
59
0
55
204
1458
150
0
205
281
0
70
206
205
0
0
207
5994
0
0
208
46
0
0
209
8.1 - Exhibit 08--Continued
Desired Stand Conditions
1891
0
0
210
98
0
0
211
2
0
0
212
41
0
0
213
1
0
0
214
1987
1987
1987
215
4
4
1
216
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Desired Conditions
DESIRED STAND CONDITIONS TO MEET SHORT AND LONG TERM DESIRED CONDITION MGT
AREA E-1 BIG GAME WINTER RANGE AND OLD GROWTH STRUCTURE LANDTYPE
ASSOCIATION 2, ELU A30S, HABITAT TYPE GROUP 3 AND GROUP 4 FIRE REGIME A
COMBINATION OF UNDERSTORY AND STAND REPLACEMENT (DOUGLAS-FIR SERIIES
GROUPS)
(CONDITIONS WILL RESULT IN AN OLD GROWTH CONDITION THAT WILL MAINTAIN SINGLE
STORIED STAND, WITH VARIABLE DENSITY RESERVE TREE STRUCTURE, MIXED SPECIES)
At stand rotation age, the desired attributes would include: An open park-like old growth
structure with reserve trees from an older cohort. The stand would be primarily even-aged,
single storied, mixed species stand, the majority of which consists of seral species.
Composition would be 60% PP (with remainder a majority of DF, with minor components of
ASP) maintained in a vigorous condition with limited I&D concerns. A veteran component of
250 year or older PP and/or DF with diameters exceeding 16 inches DBH would be included
in the primary stand structure (maintained at 60-100 sq. ft. of basal area during the second
half of the rotation period). Aspen would be another component of the stand occupying from
5% to 10% of the area. Stand size should be between 25 and 150 acres+. Down woody 4'+
objective would be approximately 5-15 ton/ac., unevenly distributed. Cavity nester habitat
maintained at greater than 70% of optimum. Grass and form composition shall be maintained
at capability levels considering the density of the tree overwood. This form of old growth
structure would provide habitat needs for species such as flamulated owl, that prefer open
park-like conditions for feeding habitat. A rotation age of approximately 250 years would yield
25 cu. ft. per acre per year.
Over the landscape as a whole: maintain 50% of the winter range area in thermal cover and
30% of the area in security cover. VQO shall be met via shape of the stand fitting natural
topography, irregular edges, remaining residual trees, and timing of stand treatments within
the landscape.
Following a regeneration harvest, future stand development over time would approximate these
stand structure and density goals to meet the long term desired stand conditions.
Stage/Age/
Component
Trees/acre
Basal Area
OMD
Species
EARLY SERAL
SEED 1-15 YR
(snags and
reserves)
200-1,000
1-5
4-6
20-30
16+
PP
EARLY SERAL
SAPL 15-20 YR
(snags and
reserves)
200-500
20-30
1-4
DF,PP,AS
1-5
3-5
20-30
18+
20+
PP
PP
MID SERAL
POLE 40-70 YR
(snags and
replacements)
150-300
80-130
4-6
DF,PP,AS
1-5
2-3
20-30
18+
20+
PP
MID TO LATE
SERAL 80-150
(snags and
replacements)
50-80
80-100
16"
DF,PP,AS
1-5
2-3
20-30
18+
20+
PP
LATE SERAL
150-200 YR
(snags and
replacements)
40-60
60-80
20+
DF,PP,AS
1-5
1-2
20-30
18+
20+
PP
LATE SERAL
200-250+ YR
(snags and
replacements)
30-40
50-70
25+
DF,PP,AS
20-30
18+
20+
PP
1-5
1-2
8.1 - Exhibit 08--Continued
SITE SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS MATRIX
DF,PP,
ASP
Forage
Hiding Cover
Thermal Cover
Growth
Forage
N/A
Forage
Hiding cover
1.0 Cu.
ft/yr
Hiding cover, 35
Thermal cover (25-40)
Thermal cover 50
Hiding cover
(40-55)
Forage
Thermal cover 30
Forage
(25-35)
Forage
25
(20-30)
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MANAGEMENT AREA E1
STAND #'S
103-03-71
02-05
3
-21
-31
04-38
102-01-08
-10
-40
102-02-04
-11
-12
-13
-15
-26
-32
(Total AC = 550)
CURRENTLY
MEETS TARGETS CAN DEFER
No, current stand
density is quite
hight due to under
story and midstory DF. PP
overwood is still
healthy with some
evidence of
decline in recent
years. Levels of
budworm have
been high recently
due to the
favorable stand
structure being
multi-story w/DF.
Rather large % of
thermal and hiding
cover exists in this
stnd & in
landscape.
No, SBW too
high & will
develop
higher levels
in the future,
reducing std
cover &
increasing
risk of std
replacing fire.
CAN BE MODIFIED TO
REGENERATION
MEET THE STD
HARVEST SEED
TARGET
CLEAR-CUT
TREE
SHELTERWOOD
Yes. Removal of the DF
understory will restore
the std to a more open
grown old growth
structure, and will reduce
SBW levels and high fuel
levels in these stds.
Basal area of approx 7090 sq ft would be
retained and would
maintain thermal cover
value.
The alternative of
thinning from below is
recommended as it will
contribute to the DFC on
the greatest number of
acres while maintaining
future options in these
stds.
No, site is
too harsh
due to south
aspect.
No, same as CC.
Yes. 50% of
these acres could
be regenerated at
this time, and
continue to meet
thermal cover
objectives for the
landscape.
UNEVEN-AGED
MANAGEMENT
Yes. Group selection in
these stds would develop an
acceptable stand. It will
maintain a multi-storied std
with old growth structure.
This structure will benefit old
growth dependent species
requiring dense interior multistory structure. Thsi stand
structure shouldb elimited in
scope within the landscape to
keep western spruce
budworm at relatively low
levels, as a higher % of DF
will result with this method
over time. Thermal cover will
be more difficult to attain with
this structure. A different
desired stand condition
(DSC) would develop with
this approach.
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8.1 - Exhibit 08--Continued
Logical Treatment Sequence
Thin from below
Regenerate w/shelterwood Regenerate w/ group selection
year
0 Thin 10m/ac
seed cut 16m/ac
Group selection 2m/ac
year
1 prescribe burn in the
spring $75/ac
prescribe burn fall
$150/ac
year
2
handplant 200 T/ac
$250/ac
year
10
year
25
Group selection 2m/ac
year
50 SW seed cut 8m/ac
Group selection 2m/ac
year
70 remove overwood
2m/ac
year
71 prescribe burn
$150/ac
year
72 handplant $250/ac
year
75
Group selection 2m/ac
year
100
Group selection 2m/ac
year
125 thin 5m/ac
Group selection 2m/ac
year
150 thin 5m/ac
Group selection 2m/ac
year
175
Group selection 2m/ac
remove overwood 2m/ac
thin 5m/ac
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year
200 thin 5m/ac
Group selection 2m/ac
year
225
Group selection 2m/ac
year
250
SW seed cut 8m/ac
year
260
remove overwood 2m/ac
year
300 SW seed cut 8m/ac
Group selection 2m/ac
Group selection 2m/ac
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8.1 - Exhibit 08--Continued
DETAILED SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION SUMMARY
USDA - FOREST SERVICE
Stand ID:
Action
Page 1 of 1
DETAILED SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Treatment Need: Thin
Prepared by: C.Silv
Date: 7/93
Time
Specifications
Layout Thinning Yr 0
and harvest
Follow stand boundaries removing DF in a thinning
from below to 70-90 sq ft of basal area. If PP basal area is
limited, fill in leave trees with larger, vigorous, DF.
Fuel reduction
Yr 1
Prescribe burn in spring to reduce fuels to 8 ton/ac.
Leave some large diameter unmerchantable logs.
Maintain forage to meet winter range function.
Stand Exam
Yr 5
Monitor effects of the harvest and burn on the residual
stand.
Stand Exam
Yr 20
Monitor for treatment need.